The Scottish Sunday Herald reported on December 10 that federal law enforcement officials believe that James Charles Kopp, a fugitive on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, may be in Europe. According to federal authorities quoted in that report, Kopp allegedly contacted extremist anti-abortion groups in Scotland and England. Yet on December 15, the Toronto Star quoted FBI authorities who claim “many inaccuracies” and deny the validity of the Scottish report. Specifically addressing Kopp’s European whereabouts, New York FBI spokesperson Paul Moskal emphasized that since the search for Kopp began in November 1998, law enforcement officials have “absolutely no information that Mr. Kopp is in Scotland.” According to FBI officials quoted in the Scottish report, Kopp has evaded capture for so long because of “extended help from the international radical wing of the anti-abortion movement.”

Kopp, 46, has twice been indicted – by New York and federal grand juries – for the October 1998 murder of Dr Barnett Slepian, an OB/GYN who was shot and killed through his kitchen window in Amherst, New York. Kopp is also wanted in connection with four similar sniper attacks on abortion providers in Canada and upstate New York

Kopp, who has a scar near his left thumb, wears glasses, and walks with a slight limp, is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Anyone who may have seen James Charles Kopp or has any information regarding him or his whereabouts should immediately contact local law enforcement officials or the FBI. The U.S. Department of Justice is offering a $500,000 reward; a reward of nearly $500,000 is being offered in Canada.